The health authorities are monitoring tuna sales after large quantities of the popular fish seized in Sicily were found to be toxic.

Thousands of kilos of tuna destined for the black market were confiscated in Palermo, Porticello and Cefalù after it was established that the fish contained high levels of histamine, a toxic substance released by the decaying fish in four days.

The Italian newspaper La Repubblica Palermo reported that about 50 people were admitted to hospital with poisoning in the past week after eating contaminated fish.

Italian veterinarians are now scouring the fish markets of the capital in search of contaminated tuna and although there is no evidence that any of the fish was exported, the Maltese health authorities are also on the alert.

A spokesman for the Health Ministry said the Environmental Health Directorate became aware of the issue through the media as there had been no warning through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed implemented across the EU.

“Therefore, to date, it is presumed that the Italian authorities have no information that the product has been sold outside the Italian market,” the spokesman said.

Nonetheless, the authorities are monitoring the situation as part of their regular inspections for compliance with traceability laws.

“Needless to say, both the port health authorities and environmental health officers performing duties under the Food Safety Act have been alerted to this matter...

“The directorate takes the opportunity to remind food business operators of their legal responsibilities with regard to the health of the consumers. They should ensure their purchases are fully traceable to avoid criminal liability.”